Emotional support dog needs prosthetics to walk

Roo, a one-year-old Basenji mix, has one goal for 2019 – to run and play like other dogs.

Born with congenital deformities in three of her legs, Roo cannot walk normally. The once-abandoned puppy was rescued from the Lewisville Animal Shelter and is now an emotional support dog in a counseling program for traumatized children and adults at Ranch Hands Rescue in Argyle.

“We pair our animals with people who suffer from severe trauma, PTSD, and sexual abuse,” said Ranch Hands Rescue president and CEO Bob Williams. “It’s important that we get Roo what she needs because she has the potential to help a lot of people who are desperately in need of hope.”

Roo’s only normal leg is her right hind leg. Her right forelimb is missing from just below the elbow down; her left forelimb is missing from her wrist down, and her left hind limb is missing half of her foot.

“The challenge is to get not one, but three prosthetics to fit correctly,” explained Dr. Cara Blake, board certified small animal surgeon, assigned to Roo’s case at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. “We will have to teach her how to walk in the prosthetics and how to use her legs in a more normal way.”

The cost of each prosthetic is approximately $2,000 and the cost of rehabilitation is about $200 a day. Blake estimates that it will take about two months to adjust the prosthetics and train Roo to walk. So far, Roo’s medical expenses have cost more than $10,000.

“We want to do right by Roo and show the world that the worst case animals can instill faith, hope, and love in people who have given up,” Williams said. “We hope her story will inspire people around the world and send the message that all life should be honored, and that even the seemingly worst obstacles can be overcome.

“We know Roo will be back to helping people and making a difference soon.”

If you’d like to learn more about Roo and share her story or contribute toward her care, contact Ranch Hands Rescue at 940-240-0500 or visit ranchhandrescue.org.